What is Asperger's Syndrome?
According to www.austismspeaks.org, "Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the spectrum." Asperger's Syndrome has varying levels of intensity. No matter the degree of the syndrome, those that are diagnosed with this disorder have problems with social situations and can often choose an interest, or a group of interests, that they talk freely about. Asperger's cannot be reversed but it can be treated with the help of officials. Some of the help they can get is Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Asperger's can be genetic/hereditary and there is no proof right now that the environment has any role in not just Asperger's, but autism in general. As many as 50% of those with the disorder can go without be diagnosed their entire life.
Traits
Some traits include:
Normal to very high intelligence
Speech may be monotone
Poor social skills
Small amount of interests
Eccentric behaviors
Bad manners
Awkward
Lack of eye contact
Normal to very high intelligence
Speech may be monotone
Poor social skills
Small amount of interests
Eccentric behaviors
Bad manners
Awkward
Lack of eye contact
How is it diagnosed?
It starts with a developmental screening and then continues with a group evaluation. Specialists like speech therapists, neurologists, and psychologists help to diagnose a child or even an adult, with Asperger's. Other specialists may be called in to help. The evaluation includes assessment of life skills, verbal skills, communication, and understanding of concepts that other people understand naturally. They will put these tests together and compare the answers to recent behaviors to conclude on a diagnosis.
Treatment
It is important to keep in mind that what works for one child may not work for another. However, some common treatments for those with Asperger's includes:
Speech Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Medication
Some with the syndrome may require all of these to function as well as they can, and some may only need one. Everyone is different. Another thing to keep in mind is that Asperger's can lead to other diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. That will require more treatment. It is also very important that someone with Asperger's gets proper help at home and at school.
Speech Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Medication
Some with the syndrome may require all of these to function as well as they can, and some may only need one. Everyone is different. Another thing to keep in mind is that Asperger's can lead to other diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. That will require more treatment. It is also very important that someone with Asperger's gets proper help at home and at school.
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